January 6, 2012

With protesters planning to stay “as long as it takes” and no official complaints to the relevant authorities lodged against them, “Occupy Dame Street” looks set to remain outside the Central Bank in Dublin for the foreseeable future.

The protesters set up their camp on the plaza outside the Central Bank before Christmas.

According to Dublin City Council, the area “occupied” is outside its jurisdiction as it is clear of the public footpath. While the council confirmed it had received one complaint from a business located behind the bank, it maintained it was not in a position to act.

“As it is private property, Dublin City Council has no authority to move these people,” a spokeswoman said.

The camp is located on property belonging to the bank and as such it is a matter between the bank and the Garda, she added.

On average during the week, between 20 and 30 people are on site outside the bank but protesters said that number could swell to up to 150 during the weekend, when people had more free time.

“We will be here as long as it takes,” one protester said.

Gardaí said that no complaints have been lodged and added that, while they were monitoring the situation, there were no incidents of unlawful behaviour to report.